Is Narcotics Anonymous right for you?
It is a group where people recovering from drug addiction can help each other pursue healthy choices.
There are local NA meetings available every day throughout the United States and hundreds of countries around the world.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Members often find the support they need to recover from addiction.
Many people say it is a safe place to turn to when you need help getting and staying sober.
At a Glance
NA is a support group that focuses on helping people recovering from drug addictions.
An NA meeting involves meeting with peers to discuss experiences, share advice, and offer encouragement.
NA meetings are free and anonymous and follow a 12-step program to help members achieve drug and alcohol abstinence.
What Is Narcotics Anonymous (NA)?
LikeAA’s “Big Book,” NA uses a primary text called the “Basic Text.”
How Do NA Meetings Work?
NA meetings are one of the major parts of the Narcotics Anonymous recovery program.
The meetings also allow people in recovery to give and receive support and encouragement from their peers.
NA Meetings May Be Open or Closed
No part of NA is compulsory or required.
NA does not focus on any particular drug.
Instead, the purpose of NA is to share the trials and triumphs that come with addiction and recovery.
NA Meetings Are Anonymous
Anonymity is key to NA’s success.
Members understand and agree that what is said in meetings and who they see there stays there.
Therefore, they don’t discuss these details publicly.
The only requirement for becoming a member of Narcotics Anonymous is “the desire to stop using.”
Does NA Work?
For many members of NA, the program is the only thing they’ve found that actually worked.
Anyone who has dealt with addiction knows that it is a struggle that can seem hopeless at times.
Of course, there is never a guarantee that you won’t experience a relapse.
This step involves acknowledging the addiction and the damaging impact it has had on the individual’s life.
It is about admitting powerlessness in the face of addiction.
NA focuses on usingspiritualityand faith to help guide people on their path to recovery.
It is about believing in a power bigger than themselves.
It is centered on surrendering to the care of a higher power.
It also stresses the importance of actively deciding to work toward recovery.
Step 4
“We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
This step focuses on taking stock of both individual burdens and strengths.
It is centered on improving self-awareness and gaining a better understanding of the self.
This step encourages those in recovery to talk about their mistakes and weaknesses.
Step 6
“We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
Step 7
“We humbly ask Him to remove our shortcomings.”
This step centers on the idea that all people have shortcomings.
Understanding these failings and being willing to ask for help and draw on spiritual strength is important.
This step stresses that humility is essential because it prevents people from minimizing their own weaknesses when facing addiction.
This step focuses on acknowledging the harm because of an individual’s addiction.
It is about assessing harm and facing feelings of guilt.
Step 10
“We continued to take personal inventory and when were wrong promptly admitted it.”
This step of recovery involves actively monitoring behavior and being willing to admit and rectify mistakes as they happen.
What About God and Prayers?
This is particularly true if you are not religious.
NA is not specifically a Christian organization.
This phrase can mean a variety of things and up to personal interpretation.
Some people choose God (in whatever form or belief) as theirs, and others do not.
NA says that “ours is a spiritual, not a religious program.”
Try not to let this aspect deter you from meetings.
If you have questions, consider asking a member about it personally, and they can explain further.
The steps of the program can be adapted to suit your individual belief system.
What to Expect at Your First NA Meeting
Everyone is nervousabout attending their first 12-step meeting.
You will hear the word “addict” often at NA meetings.
This is how NA members refer to themselves.
How Does an NA Meeting Work?
Meetings typically follow one of two formats: speakers or open discussion.
In a speaker meeting, one individual is allowed to speak to share their personal story.
Often, a specific topic or a reading from the “Basic Text” is the foundation for discussion.
As a newcomer, you may be asked to introduce yourself.
The only rules in a meeting are that drugs and drug paraphernalia are not allowed.
Also, cross-talk is discouraged, and membersparticularly new attendeesare encouraged to listen while others speak openly.
It’s also appropriate to turn off your phone and not have side conversations.
Meetings occur throughout the day almost every day of the week.
Depending on where you live, there should be many options to choose from.
Some may even occur virtually.
There are also apps available that can help you find a local meeting or attend a virtual one.
The NA Meeting Search app is available for bothiOSandAndroid.
Another app you might find helpful is theNA Recovery Companion.
If you attend one meeting and are not too sure about it, go to another one.
Every meeting has its own atmosphere, and you might find yourself more comfortable in one group than another.
While you might feel like the outsider or the newbie at first, give yourself time to get comfortable.
If you aren’t ready to share, you could also benefit from simply listening and observing.
The program emphasizes spirituality, resilience, and peer support.
If you are ready to work toward recovery from drugs or alcohol, treatment options are available to help.
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Narcotics Anonymous.Welcome to Narcotics Anonymous.
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Narcotics Anonymous.How it works.
Narcotics Anonymous.An introduction to NA meetings.
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